I have been idly wondering if I’ll emerge from lockdown a better person. I’d like to think that I will, but somehow I doubt it. Hardship is supposed to build character, but I have a feeling that when all this is finally over I’ll probably emerge pretty much the same, perhaps a bit podgier. Of course this isn’t all about me (as my husband accurately reminds me) and there has been speculation that this pandemic will lead to permanent changes in the way everyone leads their lives. Will we emerge blinking into the light, determined to be more respectful of each other and the environment? Or just ready to party?
I’m sure that at first we’ll simply be profoundly grateful for the return of all those freedoms we took for granted pre-pandemic. When faced with all the wonderful distractions and attractions that the world has to offer, will we continue to feel closer to our communities? And I wonder how long our newfound love of nature will last, whether we’ll all become environmentalists, walking or cycling everywhere and adopting a vegan diet. Or will the lure of the hamburger and long-haul flights to distant places be too strong? At first, we will gladly be herded through airports and not moan about queues and having to take off our shoes, just happy to be there. Maybe for a few months or even a year, but how long does gratitude last? It’s such a tiring emotion long-term.
Right now I would be pathetically grateful for the smallest of things. I’d like to go into a shop and try on a pair of trousers rather than having to order three different sizes online, only to discover that none of them fits and it’s going to cost me £7.95 to send them all back. I dream of visiting an art gallery in person rather than online. I’d love to meet friends for lunch in a restaurant. I long to throw away all masks. Well, maybe not the ones they wear during Carnival in Venice – they can stay. I’d even be thankful to live in a country where it wasn’t illegal to sit on a bench with someone from outside your household. I don’t ask much.
Actually, I do. What I’d really love is to plan a holiday confident in the knowledge that it’ll actually happen. I don’t dare book anything because the spectre of cancelling last year’s holiday is still hanging over me. The arrangements for that trip were so complicated that by the time we had cancelled flights, car hire, train travel, hotel rooms and Airbnb bookings we certainly needed a holiday. Instead, we enjoyed an extended DIY break in our own house. I would like to have the courage to look forward to a holiday again.
I can’t answer for society at large, which may well emerge kinder and greener, but I suspect that after the first heady days and months of freedom and gratitude that I’ll slowly sink back into my old ways. Although, sadly, I think that might not include going back to the gym. I have a feeling that the only permanent change I’ll be making is to embrace the new flabbier me.
I have a worrying feeling that when hugging is allowed again I’ll be hugging everyone I know and people I don’t know as well. Maybe in “the future” I’ll be known locally as the strange woman who hugs strangers in the street and people will cross the road to avoid me! Also I’ll definitely have to update my clothes. Standing in the kitchen thinking I should cut back on the calorie intake, in an instant another voice in my head says why bother and who really cares if I need a size larger? Hmm, after all perhaps I do! 😉🤣
Don’t give up the cheese scones! It’s not worth it.
Very excited to have booked a visit to an exhibition – a real exhibition, where you can walk up to the paintings and maybe even smell the paint! I’ll try not to hug everyone else in the gallery while I’m there….
I have an exhibition booked too. I’m going to see David Hockney (well, his paintings anyway) at the Royal Academy. I won’t be hugging everyone though in case I’m asked to leave. Being evicted from your first exhibition of the year isn’t a good start.